17 Bristol Bars You Must Drink In Before You Die

Boozy Bristol FTW.

1. The Cornubia, Temple Street, Bristol

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A back-street real ale haven which takes a bit of local know-how to find.

It's a no pretences traditional pub with a warm welcome. You may even get a conversation with one regular's grey parrot, who can often be seen propping up the bar.

2. Bag O'Nails, Hotwells

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This pub could never be imitated. An adult's real ale and traditional drinks-loving playground, it's staffed partially by cats, who observe the punters as they play the choose your own vinyl on the record player, and make cool things out of the lego left on the tables.

Not a place for crazy pub crawls or stags, but great for a lost afternoon. Find out more on Facebook.

3. The Old Bookshop, Bedminster

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Smothered in street art from the outside, this bar is a total gem. Incredibly styled, part-musical dreamscape, part-steampunk industrial, the beer and wine lists are perfect and the kitchen is often a pop-up home to some of Bristol's finest chefs.

The outdoor, covered smoking area, heated by a wood burner, is a thing of rare beauty for those that need it. Live music, too. Find out more on Facebook.

4. The Love Inn, Stokes Croft

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A red-infused cocoon of good times in Stokes Croft. Intense focus on immense cocktails, DJ led music and good times. Find out what's going on on Facebook.

5. Milk Thistle, secret location, Bristol City Centre

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The original secret drinking location. You'll never, ever guess what stunning cocktails lie behind this secret door unless you've found it.

An Alice in Wonderland-style descent into some of the most innovative cocktails to be found in Bristol. Advance booking highly recommended.

6. Christmas Steps, Bristol City Centre

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At the bottom of the ridiculously picturesque Christmas Steps is the pub of the same name.

Proof that fine evenings out are for life in Bristol, not just for Christmas. Fine beer selection and great music and quiz nights.

7. Small Bar, King St, Bristol

Small Bar / Via Facebook: smallbarbristol

It's not that small, with a great upstairs hang-out room for groups as well as a spacious bar area for standing and sipping.

There's a 25 pump collection of craft beers, cider and American bar food available. Wonderfully relaxed, friendly bar.

8. The Hare, North Street, Bedminster

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A renowned real ale pub with an unassuming frontage that hides a much-adored secret garden at the back. Classic south Bristol summertime drinking at its best.

Find out more about the beer served here.

9. The Rummer Hotel, St Nicholas Market

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Come for the ridiculously comprehensive back bar of rums, stay for the absinthe, cocktails and food.

Deliciously located on the fringes of the covered market, it'll be hard to escape and calls for a lost afternoon. Find out more here.

10. Hausbar, Upper Belgrave Rd, Clifton

Hausbar / Via Facebook

Underground, Germanic styled art deco masterpiece and Clifton institution.

Groups must book in advance. Romantic, Berlin-esque, the perfect place for a secret assignation, find out more here.

11. The Highbury Vaults, St Michaels Hill, Bristol

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So close to the University and the hospital that students can't avoid the place, this pub means so much to so many, which you can tell by the toilet graffiti, the endless occupation of the garden, and the well used dark wood interior which hasn't changed for many years.

Find out more here

12. Yurt Lush, Temple Quay, City Centre

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One of the most unlikely structures within a stone's throw of Temple Meads station, nestled amongst the glass office towers, Yurt Lush serves very high quality, sustainably sourced drinks and has a wicked menu to accompany them.

It's a great place for a cold one after work.

13. The Kensington Arms, Stanley Road, Redland

Food and Drink Guides / Via foodanddrinkguides.co.uk

For multiple years running, "The Kenny" has won a Bristol Good Food award.

It's a cosy pub, has a social area out front to enjoy the sun, and an exceptional wine list as well as many solid real ales. A local favourite. Booking advised for food.

14. The Fleece, St Thomas St, City Centre

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The Fleece isn't a bar or a pub, it's an institution in Bristol. Perhaps the city's boldest, proudest live music venue, it's an essential visit if you like your Bath Ales gently rocked and cold.

Watch out for their "no dickheads" policy, it's pretty comprehensive! Find out more here.

15. The Apple, Welsh Back, City Centre

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As the sign says, you can't walk on water, but you can run on cider. Don't even consider visiting Bristol's Harbourside without stopping here for one of the literally hundreds of ciders and perries on offer.

16. The Volunteer Tavern, New Street, Cabot Circus

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This pub is brilliantly located for a stop off whilst shopping. It also serves a vast selection of locally brewed ales and ciders, with a cool atmosphere that'll have you staying for more than one. A proper back-street gem of a find, check it out here.

17. The Grace, Gloucester Rd

The Grace / Via thegracebristol.uk

A relatively new addition to the bar-packed Gloucester Rd, The Grace is big, social, and has the beer garden of dreams.

Thirsty folk can expect locally produced ales and coffee, and a pretty decent back bar and wine list. Find out more here.